Hello! I've just completed the Front-end Developer Specialization certificate and was wondering what thoughts people might have as to the next certification topic might be?
I'm a fairly well-travelled developer and my main focus is on building user-centric applications. In that vein I've been looking at the Tech Lead or Architecture Specializations.
Any ideas from people who've already travelled down this road?
Hi Ian,
I’d actually recommend going for the Web Developer Specialist (O11). Because it completes the picture. Web Developer gives you mostly the back-end foundation you need to build applications end-to-end, data modelling, logic, integrations, performance, best practices, etc.
It makes you more independent when delivering features, and it’s a much better stepping stone toward Tech Lead later.
Thanks Mihai - this makes a lot of sense to me - I do feel sometimes there's a few missing pieces to the puzzle and perhaps something like the Web Dev certification would fill in a lot of the gaps.
Glad to help! Also, once you complete the O11 certification, you’ll be able to get the ODC certification directly after you finish the training, without actually taking the ODC exam: Get Ready for the Web Developer Specialist Exam .
Hello,
In my opinion, if you’re already an experienced developer working as a Tech Lead or handling architectural decisions, then I agree pursuing certifications like Tech Lead or Architecture can be a strong next step.
From my own experience, every certification I’ve taken has taught me something useful, but most of them were more focused on the development phase. That’s why I don’t feel fully ready for the Tech Lead path yet. However, the Architecture specialization and even the Security one can be valuable to understand how to design and deliver OutSystems applications following best practices, scalability principles, and secure-by-design standards.
So, if your main focus is leadership or architecture, then yes I’d definitely recommend exploring one of these paths, or even both of them.
Hi Sharif - thanks for taking the time to reply. I think this might be something I'd be leaning towards in the future so definitely something to look at I think.
You’re very welcome, good luck on your journey.
It depends on your level of seniority, but if you are already leading teams or aiming to do so in the near future, the Tech Lead path is your best option, while keeping in mind that architecture is also an important pillar.
Many thanks Miguel ! I'm not leading teams at the moment but is something I might look at in the future so getting some foundational knowledge in that respect, as well as rounding out the architectural training, I guess is a good thing.